Q and A about Practicing Amitabha-Recitation
Part Three - - Amitabha-Recitation Near the End-of-Life
念佛實用問答(3) - 臨終助念
Question 77: How should we understand and balance the relationship between daily Amitabha-recitation and assisted recitation near the end of life?
Answer to Q77:
We should think in this way: I am a person who recites Namo Amitabha Buddha. When the time of death arrives, even if there is not a single person present, Amitabha Buddha will certainly come; leading the ocean-like assembly of pure bodhisattvas to welcome me.
However, when the time comes to repay and bid farewell to this Saha World, if fellow practitioners come to recite Namo Amitabha Buddha and help me on my journey, it is indeed a most excellent and noble occasion. It helps reduce worldly distractions and brings mutual encouragement, comfort, and joy among lotus friends.
Furthermore, if it is for oneself, one should diligently engage in the exclusive recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha, rely on the power of Amitabha's Fundamental Vow, and be assured of rebirth in the Land of Bliss. One should not place one's hope for rebirth upon receiving assisted recitation at the time of death.
If it is for others, however, then when someone is approaching the end of life, one should make every effort to go and provide assisted recitation and compassionate comfort.
77問：平日念佛與臨終助念之間，應如何用心取捨？
答：應當想到：我是念佛人，臨終之時，即使沒有一個人在場，阿彌陀佛也決 定會率領清淨大海眾菩薩來迎！
但報謝娑婆之時，如果有蓮友念佛相送，既少俗緣，又相慶慰，也是很殊勝的事。
又，如果為了自己，則應當致力於「專修念佛，乘佛願力，決定往 生」，不可將 往生押在臨終助念之上。如果為了別人，則臨終時儘量前去助念安慰。
Namo Amituofo!
